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Star Seeker is one of Windstar’s newest additions and the first of two new 224-passenger sister yachts. Its sister ship, Star Explorer, is scheduled to debut in late 2026.
But Star Seeker’s story is a little more interesting than simply being a new cruise ship.
Windstar acquired Star Seeker while the expedition-style ship was still under construction and adapted the design to fit the Windstar experience. The result is a 224-passenger, all-suite yacht with an ice-strengthened hull, making it particularly well-suited for itineraries in places like Alaska.
That background interested me because I’d sailed on Star Pride the year before. Star Pride was originally built for another cruise line and later transformed into the Windstar ship I sailed on, while Star Seeker gave Windstar the opportunity to shape a newer ship much earlier in the process.
Stepping aboard still felt distinctly Windstar, but I noticed some differences. The one I was most excited to see was inside the suites.
A Look Inside Windstar Star Seeker Suites
One thing I already liked about sailing with Windstar is that every room is a suite with a window, and Star Seeker continues that approach. But I was especially excited to see one feature in person: the infinity windows.
In select suites, the floor-to-ceiling window can lower from the top, opening the room directly to the outside. I watched it open during my tour, and immediately thought about Alaska. You can watch the scenery from inside your suite and open the window for fresh air without sacrificing interior space to a traditional balcony.
I also toured the Horizon Owner’s Suite, and only two of these are available aboard. With a separate living room and balcony, it felt more like a one-bedroom apartment than a cruise cabin. It’s far more space than I personally need on a cruise, but it was fun to see what the top end of Star Seeker’s accommodations looks like. These two suites would be the perfect way to splurge on a back-to-back cruise and ensure you have tons of space.
Between the more typical suites and the Horizon Owner’s Suite, what stood out wasn’t simply the size. It was how the rooms seemed designed around the view, another thoughtful touch Windstar is known for.
Dining on Star Seeker
Dining was one of the areas where Star Seeker felt familiar after sailing on Star Pride, but some notable differences stood out. Amphora remains the main dining room, and Star Grill offers casual outdoor dining. The smaller restaurant is Basil + Bamboo, a Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired specialty restaurant, and there is no separate space for Candles; Star Grill will cover steak and similar menu items you would expect from Candles.
We stepped inside Basil + Bamboo while the staff was setting up for service, so I got to see the space, but didn’t eat there. Compared with Star Pride, where I’d eaten at Candles and the Spanish-inspired Cuadro 44, the restaurant concepts have changed, but the overall approach felt familiar: several distinct dining options without needing a massive ship.
Shared Spaces and Amenities
One of the coolest shared spaces I saw aboard Star Seeker was the sauna. It’s indoors, but there’s a porthole-style window looking out over the water. Being able to warm up while still watching the scenery outside is a thoughtful little detail.
We also toured the spa, which felt familiar after using the spa aboard Star Pride. Star Seeker also has a dedicated hair studio, though I don’t remember whether Star Pride had something similar.
Elsewhere, we walked through the pool deck and a casual lounge where guests can grab coffee, read, or play board games. I appreciated those quieter spaces when I sailed with Windstar before, especially when I wanted somewhere comfortable to relax outside my suite.
How Star Seeker Compared to My Cruise on Star Pride
Having sailed on Star Pride the year before, Star Seeker still felt distinctly like Windstar, but its smaller size was noticeable almost immediately.
The hallways and stairwells felt more compact, and even walking from one end of the ship to the other felt noticeably quicker than it had aboard Star Pride. With just 224 passengers, that smaller scale makes sense, but it was interesting to actually feel the difference while walking around the ship.
At the same time, a lot felt familiar. There were still spacious suites, multiple places to eat, a spa, outdoor spaces, and quiet places to sit with a coffee or a book. It felt less like Windstar had created an entirely different cruising experience and more like they had adapted a lot of what I already enjoyed about Star Pride to an even smaller ship.
For me, that combination was what made Star Seeker so interesting to tour. It still felt like the Windstar experience I remembered, just in a noticeably smaller package with some thoughtful new details.
Where Can You Sail on Windstar Star Seeker?
Star Seeker sails to multiple destinations worldwide. After debuting in late 2025 with a transatlantic crossing from Spain, it began its inaugural season with Caribbean sailings, with itineraries also featuring Alaska and Japan.
Published itinerary regions include Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, and longer ocean crossings. Exact routes and dates change, so it’s best to check Windstar’s current schedule when planning a trip.
One thing I love most about Windstar is its focus on smaller ports and destinations that larger cruise ships can't always access. Star Seeker continues that approach while offering a different onboard experience from the Windstar ship I previously sailed.
Why I’d Love to Sail on Star Seeker to Alaska
Of all the places Star Seeker sails, Alaska is the itinerary that immediately caught my attention.
Part of that is the ship itself. Its expedition-ship origins, ice-strengthened hull, and smaller size seem particularly well suited to Alaska. Windstar also offers expedition-style experiences there, including opportunities to explore by kayak and small boat on certain itineraries.
But after touring Star Seeker, the little onboard details made me picture this ship in Alaska. I kept imagining opening the infinity window in my suite as we sailed past the scenery, or warming up in that sauna with its little window overlooking the water.
I enjoyed my first Windstar cruise aboard Star Pride, so I’d love the chance to actually sail on Star Seeker and see how the smaller ship feels over a full itinerary. I might be biased because I live in Seattle and have been to Alaska multiple times, but Alaska would be my pick.
Touring Star Seeker let me see how Windstar is bringing its small-ship style to an even smaller, newer yacht. Having sailed on Star Pride, it was fun to recognize familiar touches alongside newer features.
Of course, touring is different from actually sailing, so I’m curious to see how Star Seeker feels over a full itinerary. But after getting a look around, I’d definitely be interested in experiencing it for myself!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!